• Outlook: The buzzword for the Seahorses: Development. Burlington has struggled to field numbers, but a small spike in participation — 16 skaters, plus three goaltenders — gives the program optimism for the future. “We are really looking to peak towards the end of the season and get ready for next year,” Lifschutz said.

• Outlook: While the Redhawks might have some depth and experience concerns on the blue line, their attack consists of four equal lines, a strength in the Murray’s eyes. “I don’t know if we are a favorite — we might be a year away — but we can certainly contend.” Two returning goaltenders are competing for the No. 1 spot, Murray added.

• Outlook: Although they lost seven players to graduation, including captain Nate Frieberg, the Lakers return five of their top two six forwards from last season's runner-up finisher and will be a strong contender this winter. Cuce was the team's top point getter last year with 17 goals and 31 assists while McBride was the go-to goalie in the playoffs.

• Outlook: Defense has been the Hornets’ strength in recent years, a key reason the program currently holds a 34-game unbeaten streak in regular-season play that began in January of 2011. This Essex outfit should be no different with a bevy of seasoned defensemen. Morse, who broke his collarbone in the opening-round playoff win last year, returns as the team’s leading scorer.

• Opener: Dec. 19 at At South Burlington

Milton

• Coach: Trevor Wagar (third season)

• Last season: 8-13-1; lost to Northfield in Division II quarterfinals.

• Outlook: With the additions of Pelky, a Rice transfer, and Jenkins, who played for the program two years ago, the Yellowjackets’ strength lies with blue-line depth. Wagar’s hope is to develop more forwards after Hickey and Amstein, the top players for a Milton squad focused on a winning season and a deep playoff run.

• Outlook: Defense and goaltending are the strengths for a MMU squad that is in search of scoring productions after key losses to graduation. “We are trying to generate some guys,” said Garrapy, who returns for a second stint as the Cougars coach. “These guys are working hard and I’m excited to see them improve during the year. I think we will surprise some people for sure.”

• Opener: Saturday vs. Lyndon

Rice

• Coach: Mark Young (fifth season)

• Last season: 7-15; lost to BFA-St. Albans in Division I quarterfinal.

• Outlook: While they are still young, the Green Knights return 14 players, including the dangerous scoring duo of Philip and Remillard. Rice also possess a stout group of defensemen who can skate and move the puck well. Vincent, a transfer from Middlebury, gives Rice size on the blue line. “We have a realistic goal of playing .500 this seson,” Young said.

• Opener: Thursday vs. Colchester at Beech tournament

South Burlington

• Coach: Sean Jones (11th season)

• Last season: 17-4; lost to North Country in Division I quarterfinals

• Outlook: A group of savvy defensemen, including Thibeault, a team captain, will be counted to lead the Rebels squad, which lost some production to prep-school defections. A player who opted to stay, Royer will help anchor the offense for a Rebels squad hoping to advance past the quarterfinals, a recent nemesis for the program.